Outdoor rugs are often overlooked because we’re too busy cleaning other places like the patio, the outdoor tables and chairs, etc. This is especially true when we’re hosting a backyard party.
Over time, outdoor rugs can get dirty and can even be the nesting ground for insects and dangerous microorganisms. Making sure that it is always clean is one way of making sure that you avoid having pests or unwanted diseases.
Although the furniture and design on your backyard and patio are important, outdoor rugs can also elevate the aesthetics making the place look homier. Cleaning and caring for your outdoor rug is relatively easy.
We’ll make it even easier for you by giving you a step-by-step process on how to do it. Here are some tips on how to keep your outdoor rugs clean.
What Are Outdoor Rugs?
Rugs give your home added life, style, colour, and beauty. Another great thing about them is that they can be suitable for almost anywhere! It’s no wonder why many people use rugs both indoors and outdoors.
In fact, with countless doorsteps, the first thing that can welcome you is an outdoor rug. However, you’d be wrong to think that all rugs are made equal. There is a huge difference between indoor and outdoor rugs.
If you try to use an indoor rug, outdoors, over time, the environment can do a number on it. This is the reason why outdoor rugs exist. Unlike indoor rugs, outdoor rugs are designed and manufactured to withstand outdoor elements.
Outdoor rugs are made with stronger and tougher synthetic materials such as nylon, acrylic, or man-made polypropylene. If you can imagine the welcome rug at someone’s doorstep and compare it to a rug that’s indoors, you can notice a stark difference.
Mainly, the difference is that outdoor rugs have a tougher texture to give them the extra durability to handle the outside environment. But like indoor rugs, there are still countless designs to choose from with outdoor rugs.
What Are They Used For?
Outdoor rugs have several use cases. Here are a few good reasons to use outdoor rugs:
To Create a Statement
Outdoor rugs don’t just come in plain designs but can also have texts. With those, you can create warm or bold statements on your doorstep. You can welcome guests before you even open your doors or perhaps state a warning of some kind.
Warm or Cozy Aesthetics
Outdoor rugs can be used to add style. It can be used as a decoration to add class and sophistication. An outdoor rug can also show that the homeowner cares about his or her place and makes an effort to make it look its best.
Cover Up Damage
If your deck floor or patio has any damaged areas, an outdoor rug can be used to cover it up. Large or small, you can always find an outdoor rug with the appropriate size to cover up damages on the floor.
How To Clean Your Outdoor Rugs
Cleaning an outdoor rug isn’t rocket science. There are 7 steps to ensure that you clean the rug properly. If you follow these steps, you’re guaranteed to have a fresh, clean rug that will last for a long time.
1. Shake The Dirt and Dust Off
It’s important that you first shake off the dust and debris on your rugs before wetting them. This helps get rid of preliminary dirt before the washing process. Wet dirt tends to settle and can be a pain to remove, so it’s best to start with this step before wetting the rug.
2. Use A Vacuum
Some debris don’t get removed by just shaking the rug or beating it with a broom. In this case, you can use a vacuum to suck out all the remaining debris. By doing this, you can get a dust and debris-free rug that you can now start washing.
Vacuuming your rug every two weeks helps minimize the accumulation of dust and debris. It can also help in preserving the beauty of your outdoor rug.
3. Rinse With a Power Washer
A power washer can do you wonders when it comes to cleaning rugs and carpets. It may just be water but it can remove stains easily because of the amount of pressure it releases with the water. Please make sure the water pressure is not high and on a small section of the rug first before washing the whole rug.
4. Spray With a Cleaning Solution and Scrub
If there are stains on your rug, spot cleaning would be the best way to remove those pesky issues. For wet stains like wine or juice, you can blot it with tissue paper until all the liquid has been absorbed.
On the other hand, for dry stains, you can spray a cleaning solution or use a detergent and gently scrub it out using a sponge.
5. Let It Sit For 5 Minutes
To ensure that all the grime and dirt soften and can be rinsed out completely, letting the soap mixture or cleaning solution sit for at least 5 minutes would be the way to go. It is important to give the soap time to do its work in penetrating the fibres of the rug.
6. Rinse Completely
Rinse the rug out completely and make sure that all the soap and cleaning solution has been removed. It is important to check if the rinse water is clear. Clear rinse water means that all the soap and dirt have been eliminated completely.
7. Dry
A wet outdoor rug can be the nesting home of moulds and mildew. To avoid this, it’s important that you dry your rugs under the sun. Flip the rugs every now and then so that it dries evenly. Drying it this way can also prevent it from having a nauseating odour.
Several tips on maintaining their cleanliness would include putting them into storage when not in use. This is especially important during the winter season. After all, you would not want it to be covered in snow.
Looking To Get Outdoor Rugs for Your Patio?
Now that you know how to clean and maintain your outdoor rugs, you can go ahead and purchase one from the store nearest to you. Or you can buy them online from Iconic Rugs. We have a wide variety of choices for you when it comes to outdoor rugs. You’ll find one that will suit the theme that you’re going for.